HBA-NMO, KMH H.B. 926 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 926
By: Garcia
Criminal Jurisprudence
7/28/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

As of early 1999, allegations of alteration of Texas Assessment of Academic
Skills (TAAS) answer sheets had arisen in more than 11 school districts
statewide.  False scores were created to increase accountability ratings
for the school district.  Prior to the 76th Legislature, tampering with
such records was a misdemeanor.  H.B. 926 increases the penalty for
tampering with public school records, reports, or certain assessment
instruments. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 37.10(d), Penal Code, to include public school
records, reports, or certain assessment instruments among the list of
instruments for which tampering with is a felony of the second or third
degree, depending on the intention of the actor, rather than a misdemeanor. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.